Oregon and Washington joined a broader legal challenge to the Trump administration’s pause on new wind energy approvals, arguing the freeze threatens planned projects, grid reliability and state clean-energy mandates.
In 2025, Washington state generated the most hydroelectric power compared to any other state, accounting for 85% of its renewable power — with wind at 11%, according to the Energy Information Administration. Also in 2025, hydroelectric power made up 45% of Oregon’s total electricity net generation and wind contributed 14%.
Oregon’s Department of Justice did not immediately respond to the Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment.
“We need the resources to meet demand, maintain reliability, and keep energy affordable, especially as we phase out polluting fossil fuels that make our communities sick and fuel disasters through climate change, Washington has state laws that require the phaseout of these polluting fuels,” Mike Faulk, deputy communications director for the Washington state attorney general’s office told the DCNF.
Washington State Attorney General Nick Brown also cited five different energy projects on hold due to the federal freeze.
“Climate change is also a threat to hydro power as droughts and extreme heat have become more common, as the International Hydropower Association acknowledges,” Faulk concluded.
“The federal government claims we’re in an energy emergency and yet unlawfully stands in the way of projects seeking to harness an excellent renewable source of energy—wind,” Brown said in a press release. “We’re determined to fight this administration’s obstruction of projects needed to power our economy, increase clean energy supply, and protect Washington’s air and water.”
Oregon also cited similar claims, stating the blue state needs wind power to comply with its green energy priorities.
“Oregonians are counting on these wind projects for good paying jobs and cleaner energy,” Oregon Attorney General Rayfield told local Oregon outlet KGW8. “The federal administration’s actions are unfair and unlawful, and we’re fighting to keep Oregonians’ energy priorities moving forward.”
(DCNF)
